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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
 |  Jun 08, 10:01 AM

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The redesigned 2014 Lexus IS might just seem like a natural evolution, but it was heavily influenced by the LF-CC concept which debuted at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

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 |  Apr 29, 12:16 PM

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Lexus just announced the price for its third-generation IS sport sedan, which will start at $36,845 including delivery.

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 |  Apr 25, 3:32 PM

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Lexus began production of its third-generation IS sport sedan today at its Tahara, Japan, plant.

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 |  Mar 22, 9:01 AM

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Back in 2000, Lexus established its LS and GS models, but was sorely lacking a ‘foundation’ car to attract new customers, which is why it launched the first generation IS. Continue Reading…

 |  Feb 01, 7:44 AM

After revealing the all-new 2014 Lexus IS at the Detroit Auto Show, the Toyota luxury division is planning a world premiere for the first every IS hybrid in Geneva next month.

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 |  Jan 15, 9:30 AM

Lexus just revealed its brand-new 2014 IS sports sedan at the Detroit Auto Show this morning. We’ve already shared a brief overview of the car, which went live last week, but now the information embargo has lifted and all the juicy details can be shared.

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 |  Dec 14, 9:01 AM

Lexus has announced pricing for its 2013 CT 200h model, increasing its MSRP to $32,050 excluding an $895 destination and handling fee.

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 |  Jul 30, 7:02 PM

It’s almost impossible to take any new car unveiling seriously anymore, but Lexus will soldier on with its scheduled live unveiling at 8:30 EST.

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 |  Jul 26, 9:19 AM

It isn’t clear if these photos are accurate, but this very well may be the 2013 Lexus LS that will debut on July 30 in San Francisco.

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 |  Jun 01, 4:01 PM

One could argue that the F Sport brand hasn’t exactly been a resounding success for Lexus, or at least as much as they had hoped it would have been by now.

But the Japanese automaker is looking to make a push on its performance accessory line, launching a new series titled ‘F Sport Fridays’ in hopes to raise awareness on the brand through videos. Essentially, F Sport Fridays will educate consumers on what F SPORT is, where it came from, and what its goal is.

Unfortunately, F Sport Fridays isn’t exactly the most exciting thing to watch, especially on a Friday. Jeff Koford, Lexus F Sport Performance Manager, does a great job explaining what F Sport is and what it has to offer, but the video lacks the things that would inspire us to run out and buy ourselves F Sport products. So if you’re listening F Sport, showing some real footage of a car testing on the track while explaining about Fuji Speedway would go a long way with your potential consumers.

Watch the first installment of F SPORT Fridays after the break.

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 |  May 29, 5:32 PM

Lexus USA just released the “SportDesign” package for the GS 460 SUV, offering customers the chance to differentiate their SUV with a more updated look that steps slightly toward next year’s styling.

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 |  Oct 25, 12:43 PM

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As promised Lexus will debut its new F-Sport GS350 model at the upcoming SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Taking the all-new 2013 GS sedan, the F-Sport package adds, um, sport, by bolting a long list of “racing-inspired” components.

Included in the package are 19-inch F-sport wheels measuring 8-inches up front and 9-inches in the rear (AWD models will be 19×8 front and rear). Also added are thicker sway bars, new bushings, and a more aggressively tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension system. Other upgrades include larger brakes with high-friction pads and rear-drive models will get a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system.

Helping convey the car’s added capability is an F-Sport aero kit with new front and rear bumpers as well as a new rear lip spoiler, F-sport badging and an F-Sport grille up front. Available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian, Lexus will also offer the F-Sport model in two exclusive colors, Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum.

Inside the car gets a unique aluminum trim and perforated black leather with aluminum pedals, plus a 16-way power sport driver’s set with improved lateral support and power side bolsters. An optional Cabernet Red leather will also be available.

No changes have been made under the hood, with the 3.5-liter V6 continuing to generate 306-hp for a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds.

“The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport

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See AutoGuide’s complete 2011 SEMA Show preview here

 |  Oct 07, 8:15 AM

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With an announced debut for the SEMA Show in November, Lexus has instead revealed the new F-Sport version of its 2013 GS350 model at the Johannesburg Motor Show in South Africa.

No official details have been provided but these snap shots were released on the Lexus of South Africa Facebook page. Modifications look subtle with a more aggressive front bumper and new wheels. We can only presume other upgrades include modifications to the suspension, brakes and exhaust, with some sporty touches inside the cabin.

Look for more details and photos from SEMA, with AutoGuide’s live coverage starting November 1st here.

GALLERY: 2013 Lexus GS350 F-Sport

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 |  Aug 04, 10:15 AM

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Along with debuting the all-new 2013 GS luxury sedan at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Lexus will unveil the car on its Facebook page with a live feed from the venue.

It has been reported that Lexus Facebook fans will get to see the car an half-hour ahead of the official reveal, although the specific details provided by Lexus seem rather to indicate that that time slot will be used to introduce those fans (not the car itself)… building anticipation until the vehicle is revealed.

Timing for the official unveiling is 7:15 p.m. EDT/4:15 p.m. PDT on August 18th. AutoGuide will be on hand with photos and video to follow.

The 2013 Lexus GS will be powered by a 3050-hp 3.5L V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The V8 model has reportedly been discontinued, although a hybrid version will be offered. An F-Sport model is also expected with an upgraded suspension and brakes, 19-inch wheels and four-wheel steering. Additional highlights will include a massive 12.3-inch display screen on the center stack. Exterior styling will be inspired by the LF-Gh Concept (above).

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Gh Concept

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Watch video of the LF-Gh Concept from its NY Auto Show debut after the jump:

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 |  Jul 22, 5:14 PM

As Lexus’ GS enters it’s fourth generation, the car has been redesigned to be sportier and more focused on the driving experience. The GS350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 305-hp and 274 lb-ft of torque. It has a 0-62 mph time of 5.7 seconds and on a sad note for the V8 lovers, the GS460 has been discontinued.

The GS will not be any larger than the current car and Lexus claims, the new plaform is both more rigid and lighter than before. The GS has also gotten rid of the “waterfall” center console and replaced it with a massive 12.3-inch screen that displays navigation and audio information.

A high-performance GS F-Sport model will also be available using the same 3.5-liter V6 and will feature high spring rates, a thicker anti-roll bar, firmer adaptive shocks, larger two-piece front brake rotos, four-wheel steering, a variable-ratio rack and 19-inch wheels.

The GS will debut on August 18 but Lexus wouldn’t reveal the exact on-sale date. We expect it to be in showrooms sometime in early 2012. The F-Sport model will also go on sale in early 2012 and, an all-wheel drive version of the GS350 will be available sometime around the middle of next year.

[Source: Car and Driver]

 |  Feb 21, 12:12 AM

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Hoping to increase its IS 350C sales, Lexus has introduced a limited edition F Sport rendition with an MSRP of $55,120. The limited edition vehicle will only be available to 175 customers, featuring a selection of F Sport performance accessories, interior badging and red stitching.

The special edition IS 350C comes in two shades, Starfire Pearl or Obsidian. The major F Sport accessory setting it apart from your run-of-the-mill IS 350C is a set of 19-inch dark graphite wheels paired with Michelin Pilot Sport rubber. The suspension has been upgraded with a set of lowering springs matched with shocks developed in cooperation with Bilstein. An upgraded sway bar set helps reduce the body roll of the convertible.

Inside, the stock seats have been accented with red trim and stitching. Lexus’ navigation package will also come standard on the F Sport Special Edition.

Official press release available after the break.

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 |  Sep 28, 6:26 AM


For the first time ever, Lexus will offer a selection of F-Sport performance accessories for a hybrid model – the CT200h.

While it’s not designed to be a high-performance model, the CT is being billed as a driver’s hybrid; retaining the trademark Lexus ride quality while also offering a dynamic driving experience. And that’s just what a new line of F-Sport accessories for the CT are aimed at further enhancing.

As a part of a list of 17 accessories that include such mundane offerings as car covers and cargo nets, Lexus will offer a lowering spring and sway bar kit made by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Lexus College National Manager Paul Williamsen did confirm that an upgraded brake system would not be offered, but didn’t comment on if other F-Sport accessories would be available. Items like an exhaust system are, however, unlikely due to the complex exhaust gas recirculation system used on the hybrid powerplant.

Additional accessories will include more stylish 17-inch wheels (17s are standard) as well as illuminated door sills.

Get more Lexus CT200h news and info at CT200hForums.com

 |  Sep 03, 11:51 AM

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Lexus is offering a special on its F-Sport lineup of parts with up to $300 available as a discount. The F Sport lineup consists of expensive bolt-on parts like intakes and mufflers, but some pieces, like the swaybar kit, will do a lot to wake up your Lexus.

The F-Sport lineup is ostensibly meant to bridge the gap between the standard Lexus products and their IS-F and LF-A sports cars. Sort of like seeing your grandpa lace up some Air Jordans and go shoot hoops. Unlike other tuner parts, the F-Sport products are warranty approved and look appropriate enough that you can arrive at a business meeting without shame or embarrassment.

Check out the coupon here

[Source: Autoblog]

 |  Jul 20, 10:22 AM

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Let’s be honest, this might not qualify for news were it not for the gallery of photos Lexus released to help announce changes to the 2011 IS250/350 F-Sport package. Along with a long list of upgrades for the 2011 lineup, that includes the introduction of the IS350 AWD model, Lexus has released an updated F-Sport Package with light weight 18-inch wheels, suspension upgrades, tighter steering, a new front lip spoiler and a rear decklid spoiler. There’s also a dark front grille insert.

While F-Sport Accessories can be purchased individually, the F-Sport package includes special F Sport seats with microfiber inserts, as well as F-Sport badging on the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill plates.

Plus, those who opt for the package can now also get their F-Sport model in Ultrasonic Blue!

GALLERY: 2011 Lexus IS250/350 F-Sport Package

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Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

 |  Jun 10, 2:01 PM

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Lexus has just launched a vehicle registry for the F-Sport product lineup, allowing owners to plot their locations on a map, and see where other F-Sport owners are hanging out.

The registry is open to owners of the IS-F, LS460 Sports, vehicles with F-Sport accessories and the LFA supercar. As of now, there are allegedly three LFA owners on the registry, but we suspect that anyone who actually owns this car wouldn’t register their public location, and would instead hang out with a super elite group of people in locations that are off limits to us common folk.

Hit the jump to read the official press release

[Source: ClubLexus]

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 |  Mar 08, 12:33 PM

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Lexus has just announced a new Special Edition version of the IS350C, complete with many of its F-Sport accessories. Priced from $57,500, it will be offered in only Tungsten Pearl or Obsidian. Unique to the Special Edition is a set package of F-Sport goodies including: new 19-inch forged wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires, upgraded front and rear brakes, lowering springs, Bilstein shocks, sway bars, a new F-Sport grille, as well as F-Sport floor mats, an F-Sport shift knob and F-Sport badging. (Model different from shown).

The package also features black leather seats with blue stitching, while standard features include heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting, Lexus Navigation, a rear back-up camera, Voice Command casual-language voice recognition system and Lexus Enform with Safety Connect.

Just 100 F-Sport Special Edition models will be offered, with sales beginning later this month. The car will officially debut at the New York Auto Show on March 31st.

Official release after the jump:

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 |  Nov 02, 8:57 PM

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Last year Lexus used the SEMA Show to help promote the IS-F, but for SEMA ’09, the IS Convertible is taking the stage. Lexus shipped out three IS Cs to different shops and organizations, letting them be as creative as they liked. A fourth IS C was built by Lexus’s in-house F-sport performance division.

First up is the bright green IS C from Fox Marketing (which we’ve already covered several times over). It gets a widebody conversion, iForged wheels, a Seibon carbon fiber rear spoiler and a ProCharger supercharger to make over 400-hp.

A matte-red IS350C built by the folks at VIP Auto Salon and JTuned.com might just be the nicest looking of the IS Cs at SEMA with a carbon fiber hood and trunk spoiler. Performance mods are minimal with a Joe Z intake pipe and a header back exhaust system. There’s also a TOMS air filter and reprogrammed ECU. And finally, a set of Work Gnosis GS3 MDB wheels.

The 0-60 Magazine is another relatively simple build with a Greddy exhaust and ECU. It’s a full package though with Advan wheels and Continental tires, Brembo brakes, KW coilovers and an Ings+1 body kit to give it the right look.

Finally, Lexus’s TRD F-Sport division used in-house tuning parts that any Lexus owner can buy for his or her car. They include F-Sport 19-inch forged aluminum wheels, an F-Sport big brake upgrade, F-Sport shocks, lowering springs and sway bars. On top of these parts, there’s a Five Axis aero kit and finally a custom PPG Vibrance Orange Glow three-stage candy paint.

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

GALLERY: Fox Marketing IS350C

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GALLERY: VIP Autosalon and JTuned IS350C

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GALLERY: 0-60 Magazine & Design Craft Fabrication IS350C

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GALLERY: F-Sport by TRD IS350C

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 |  Jul 02, 11:24 AM

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Lexus has just announced a special offer of 20 percent off on all F-sport accessories. The coupon is good until July 31st at participating Lexus dealerships and can be used on F-Sport goodies up to a maximum of $10,000. That’s $2,000 off!

Lexus recently expanded its line of F-Sport products to include the new Lexus IS C and GS models. Parts are also available for the IS250 and IS350 Sedan.

All F-Sport parts are manufactured by Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for Lexus. Highlights include a new exhaust system, an air intake, an F-Sport clutch and short shifter.

To upgrade your car’s overall driving dynamics there are lowering springs (which reduce ride height by one inch), a set of specially tuned Bilstein shocks, a rear chassis brace as well as larger front and rear sway bars.

for the IS, a set of 19-inch wheels not only improves the look of the car but allows for some wider 225/35/19 front and 255/35/19 rear tires. F-Sport offers a big brake upgrade with six-piston front rotors and four-piston rear calipers with 14- and 13.6-inch rotors respectively.

Other highlights in the F-Sport lineup include an aero kit, spoiler, carbon fiber engine cover and an F-Sport shift knob.

See the full list F-Sport parts (with pricing) and see our review of the IS350 F-Sport here:

http://www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/lexus/2009-lexus-is350-fsport-review-1081.html

Just take this coupon to your local Lexus retailer before July 31st and enjoy your savings!

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 |  Feb 12, 11:56 AM

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After launching the F-Sport line of performance and aesthetic products for the IS250 and IS350 over a year ago, Lexus has now decided to make those upgrades available for a wider range of models, including the IS C convertible, the GS sedan and IS models equipped with AWD.

Included in the F-Sport lineup is a long list of performance parts. Here are just a few:

Lexus will offer 18- and 19-inch F-sport dark graphite finished forged aluminum wheels, which not only look great but weight less than the factory wheels and allow for some serious low-profile rubber.

In terms of brakes, the F-Sport package includes both a front and rear setup, which can be purchased seperately or as a full package. The front brakes are six-piston calipers with drilled cast-iron rotors and the rears are four-piston calipers with drilled cast-iron rotors. Both brake kits come with braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads.

For the suspension, the F-Sport line offers lowering springs and Bilstein shocks, as well as replacement front and rear sway bars. For those really interested in maximum rigidity, Lexus  offers an F-sport  chassis brace.

For added performance, the Lexus F-Sport line includes a stainless-steel exhaust system and an air intake system, both of which are 50 state legal and do not affect emissions.

For manual transmission models, such as the IS250C, there is a Lexus F-Sport short shifter. An F-Sport shift knob and floor mats are also offered.

F-Sport Performance Accessories by Lexus USA are engineered by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). When installed by an authorized dealer, the accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

The new additions to the F-Sport lineup will be available June 1. For more info see:

www.F-Sport.com

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Official release after the jump:

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